Source: bing.comContents
Description
Quercus Nigra, commonly known as the Water Oak, is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall. It has a broad and spreading crown with a diameter of up to 80 feet. The bark is dark brown to black with shallow furrows and ridges. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong, with a length of 2-4 inches and a width of 1-2 inches. They are shiny green on the upper surface and pale green on the lower surface. In autumn, they turn yellow or brown before falling off.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Genus | Quercus |
Appearance
The Water Oak has a broad and spreading crown with a diameter of up to 80 feet. The bark is dark brown to black with shallow furrows and ridges. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong, with a length of 2-4 inches and a width of 1-2 inches. They are shiny green on the upper surface and pale green on the lower surface. In autumn, they turn yellow or brown before falling off. The tree produces acorns that are about 1 inch long and have a shallow cup.
Care Guide
The Water Oak prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It should be watered regularly, especially during the first few years of growth. Fertilizer should be applied in early spring and again in early summer. The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Water Oak is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including oak wilt, anthracnose, cankers, and borers. Oak wilt is a fungal disease that can kill the tree within a few months, while anthracnose can cause defoliation and twig dieback. Cankers are caused by fungi or bacteria and can lead to the death of branches or the entire tree. Borers are insects that bore into the trunk and branches, weakening the tree and making it more susceptible to other diseases and pests.
Habitat
The Water Oak is native to the southeastern United States, from Virginia to Texas. It grows in a variety of habitats, including swamps, bottomlands, and uplands. It is often found near rivers, streams, and other bodies of water.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Water Oak a good shade tree?
A: Yes, the Water Oak has a broad and spreading crown that can provide ample shade.
Q: How often should I water my Water Oak?
A: Water the tree regularly, especially during the first few years of growth, and make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Water Oak?
A: The Water Oak is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Q: Can the Water Oak survive in partial shade?
A: Yes, the Water Oak can tolerate partial shade but prefers full sun.
Related Plants
- Quercus Alba (White Oak)
- Quercus Rubra (Northern Red Oak)
- Quercus Palustris (Pin Oak)
- Quercus Coccinea (Scarlet Oak)
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Quercus nigra. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c142
- Trees of North America. (2021). Quercus nigra. Retrieved from https://treesofnorthamerica.net/trees/quercus-nigra/
- United States Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Quercus nigra. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=QUNI
